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A packable down jacket, also known as a puffer jacket, is perfect for cold season travel. It keeps you warm, it’s easy to layer, and it’s also lightweight. See our readers’ picks for the best packable down jacket for travel so you can stay warm on your next trip!
Best Packable Down Jacket
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Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
I am looking for a packable down puffy jacket. I have one from Costco, but my friend is looking for one for our upcoming Oktoberfest trip. Any recommendations?
Packable down jackets are perfect for travel because you can roll them into a small compression sack, which helps you save suitcase space.
Our readers rave about how useful packable down jackets are beyond being just a coat. As one reader says, “They make great pillows, flight blankets, and lumbar support on long rides.” All that from one jacket – amazing!
Another reader adds, “everyone is wearing puffer jackets at the moment. They are warm and pack down small, so I can see why!”
The Best Packable Down Jackets for Travel
Here, our readers share their recommendations for the best packable down jacket!
Shop Sizes S-3X (Regular, Petite, & Plus): Land’s End Wanderweight Packable Down Coat
Land’s End Women’s Down Coat
With a chevron-quilted pattern and an attached hood with bungee cord-lock, this down jacket from Lands End will keep you toasty and warm. Super lightweight, thank to its water resistant fabric with 800 fill power RDS HyperDRY™ down, this jacket packs down into its own pocket!
Available in a variety of colors, this is an awesome item to finish off your travel outfits!
Pair it with one of these women’s waterproof boots!
Shop Sizes S-3X (Regular, Petite, & Plus): Eddie Bauer Women’s CirrusLite Down Jacket
Eddie Bauer Down Puffer Jacket
This stylish down travel jacket from Eddie Bauer will be your new cold-weather BFF. Light and incredibly cozy, its shell is densely woven to serve as a barrier between you and the elements. Its high fitted collar and elastic cuffs seal the deal in protecting you from the cold and wind.
Did we mention how compact it is? It’s super light and warm! One reader describes it as “such a great jacket that packs to nothing,” while another agrees that it’s “really useful.” Sounds like an awesome all-around jacket to us!
Read about how to Pack Light Stylishly for all destinations with our e-book!
Shop Sizes S-3X (Regular, Petite, & Plus): Eddie Bauer MicroTherm 2.0 StormDown Jacket
Eddie Bauer Microtherm Stormdown Hooded Jacket
The Eddie Bauer Microtherm jacket is designed to be worn over base layers and light mid-layers, making it perfect for chilly vacations. Microtherm is thinner than traditional down but still keeps you smothered in warmth. You’ll stay cozy without looking like a snowman!
One reader says, “I’ve had an Eddie Bauer down puffer jacket for a few years now and I love it!”
Another reader adds “a big vote for Eddie Bauer.” She says, ‘In fact, I wear mine everyday through New England winters! It’s my favorite.”
Here’s exactly how to pack for a cold weather destination!
Shop XS-XL: Quince Lightweight Down Puffer Jacket
Quince Lightweight Down Packable Jacket
This down puffer from Quince is super simple yet really cute, lightweight and easy to pack. Designed to seal in the warmth, the fit is relaxed and cropped, with roomy side pockets to store your gloves or hat!
A classic jacket that’ll go with everything, help you travel light, and keep you warm in freezing temps!
One wearer says, “I love this jacket. It’s warm and cozy. The best part is it’s light and easily packable. And it matches everything in my winter wardrobe!” Also available in a hooded version too.
Shop Sizes S-3X (Regular, Petite, & Plus): L.L. Bean Lightweight Down Packaway Jacket
L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
When it comes to top L.L. Bean down jackets, the Primaloft Packaway Jacket may look heavy, but it’s quite the opposite! Made from lightweight 100% recycled ripstop polyester, this fully waterproof coat has a center front zipper and four pockets including two zippered hand pockets, one zip chest pocket and one internal media/stow pocket.
Plus it easily packs away until needed and comes in lots of colors!
This happy user explains. “I wore my new jacket on a recent trip to Newport RI. We were on a very windy, cloudy day boat ride. I was warm and never felt the chill. Its lightweight and travels nicely. I highly recommend it.”
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Heavenly Jacket
Columbia Packable Down Puffer Coat
This Columbia packable down jacket provides extra warmth due to its Omni-HEAT reflective lining making it a sound pick if you are heading to an extremely cold destination with sub zero temps.
One review says, “This jacket worked well for me when I spent a long weekend in very chilly temps in NYC.” Another reader shares, “I wore this coat all over England last January and I was plenty warm. I love that it covers your butt and hips, as I think that helped with the warmth.”
Include one of the best thermal underwear on your list for your next trip!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: The North Face Aconcagua Down Insulated Hoodie
The North Face Down Insulated Jacket with Hood
The North Face Aconcagua Down Insulated Hoodie is the perfect travel companion for those seeking warmth, comfort, and style on the go. Designed with a blend of responsibly sourced down and synthetic insulation, this hoodie offers superior warmth without the bulk, making it ideal for layering or wearing alone in cooler climates.
Its lightweight, packable design means it won’t take up much space in your luggage, the water-repellent finish ensures protection against light rain or snow, while the adjustable hood and elastic cuffs seal in warmth when you need it most.
Wearers all love this jacket, one review shares “so comfortable and keeps you very warm” while another adds “looks great, not overly bulky looking Nice fit.”
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
Uniqlo offers a fantastic down jacket that is lightweight, waterproof and folds into a little pouch. Choose from a range of chic neutral colors to finish off your travel outfit in style.
One reader says, “I love Uniqlo. They are the best in my opinion.” Another adds, “While on a recent trip to Ireland and Scotland, I took my Uniqlo’s down jacket as my only jacket. It worked perfectly, weighed close to nothing, and took up hardly any room in my luggage!”
Shop Sizes XS-3X: 32 Degrees Ultra-Light Down Jacket
32 Degrees 3/4 Ultralight Packable Down Jacket
Highly popular with readers, the 32 Degrees Ultra-Light Packable Down 3/4 Long Jacket will keep you super toasty without the bulk! Made from responsibly sourced down, it’s adjustable, detachable hood and elastic cuffs, all help to trap heat where it’s needed the most.
A versatile jacket that can handle rain, wind, or snow, there is plenty of room to add sweaters and thermals underneath as needed.
One reviewer happily notes just how cozy and packable this coat is, “I love the design of this coat. It’s very slimming, with deep pockets and a wind flap in front of and behind the zipper. I also like the fact that it’s so light, you barely know it’s on. I can wear long underwear and a sweater underneath without feeling like I’m stuffed into a sausage. I like that it comes with a small bag you can stuff it in for travel.”
Read more cold weather travel packing articles!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Down Hooded Jacket
Made from semi-recycled synthetic insulation, this Mountain Hardwear down packable jacket provides lightweight warmth ideal for layering. The ideal jacket that can handle the wet and cold but isn’t heavy to wear or pack.
One reader says, “This is probably by far one of the best down jackets.” Another reader adds that when a friend recommended this jacket to her, it saved her trip. She says, “ So many times I was glad that I had this jacket, and it took up very little space. It can even double as a pillow when in its pouch.”
Our readers recommend the best cold weather pants!
Shop Sizes XS-XL: ibex Women’s Wool Aire Down Jacket
Ibex Packable Down Jacket
I was shocked at how warm I was in this jacket, despite how thin and lightweight it is. I’ve only worn it briefly in temperatures ranging from 25F – 40F and layered over a t shirt and separately just over a merino wool thermal, but so far I’m impressed and can’t wait to test it out for extended periods of time outdoors. If it’s as good as I think it will be, this could easily become an essential in my winter wardrobe.
Because it’s so thin, it’s the perfect hooded jacket to bring on a trip with mixed weather when you’ll only need it occasionally for the cold.or wear layered underneath a more polished coat for a colder destination.
Wearing ibex Wool Aire Down Jacket, Patagonia Fleece Shell paired with Zella Leggings
One of the things that stood out immediately was the “climate neutral certified” label. This means that Ibex implements programs to reduce their carbon output and put into carbon credits that offset the rest. When you choose Ibex, you support a carbon neutral company.
How Editor-In-Chief Alex Wears Down Jackets
Watch my Facebook Live to see me compare four of the best down jacket styles!
How to Choose a Down Jacket
Follow our tips below on how to choose the best down jacket for your needs.
Size
The key to wearing a puffer jacket is to choose a flattering cut in a size that fits you so that you stay warm without resembling a snowman! Find one that hits at the right length for you based on your body shape and style preference.
The biggest fashion mistake women make is not wearing the correct clothing size. The best down jacket, along with every other item of clothing you wear, is the one that flatters you the most.
Whether you prefer fitted looks or looser styles, it’s important to purchase clothing that fits your body shape and size. Often, it’s recommended to size up for jackets so you have room to layer underneath.
Fabric
Don’t make the mistake of thinking the thickest puffer jacket will be the warmest. All down jackets have a “fill,” which is the material that insulates you and keeps you warm. The best down jacket styles have 100% feather fills and are also the least bulky.
Belted Styles
A solution to avoid the bulky snowman look and create a more defined figure is to choose a style with a belt. This is the best option if you don’t want to lose your figure under a coat.
How to Pack Your Jackets
Packing cubes will change the way you pack. We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything—ESPECIALLY your jackets!
You can learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in the video below!
What do you think is the best packable down jacket for travel? Share your top pick in the comments below!
For more tips on cold weather clothing, please read:
- Choosing the Best Winter Jacket
- Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- Waterproof Boots for Winter
- Warmest Gloves for Cold Weather
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Check out Lands End packables for men and women. I got one with a nice print and get compliments everywhere. Half off right now as well. I wear it everywhere from Baja to Oregon to Paris.
Hi Gina, thank you for sharing your recommendation for Land Ends with us, sounds fantastic!!! Happy travels! ?
If you’re from New Zealand or Australia, the Macpac and Kathmandu jackets are amazing. I’ve used my lightweight Macpac puffa throughout Scandinavia countries and layered up with a longer waterproof on cold wet days. I do support the use of eco-down versions too and many more of those are coming on the market now.
Hi Anne-Marie, thank you for sharing your recommendations for a packable down jacket, so glad your jacket worked so well for you on your trip! Love reading about our readers’ favorite clothing products. Happy travels! ?
As a vegetarian, I love the Patagonia Nano jackets. They are incredibly light and stay warm, even when damp, unlike a traditional down puffer. Throw it under a black soft shell rain jacket and it even functions in the winter!
Hi Robin, thank you for sharing your great review of your Patagonia Nano jacket with us! Loving reading about our readers favorite products. Happy travels! ?
Patagonia was cheated in the style category for being represented with the Nano jacket (it’s not even one of their down-filled jackets!)! Also, for the most packable down jacket, look for the highest number of fill for QUALITY & PACKABILITY the second number to look for is the amount of down used…this will also affect warmth & packability the jacket has.
Hi Deb, thank you for taking the time to share your insight with me! 🙂